Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America. Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas.

Hike up a narrow rugged valley scoured by avalanches and roaring with the sound of raging water. It’s a stiff little climb past three thundering cataracts before reaching one of the most spectacular and tallest waterfalls within the park. Here at the base of Comet Falls, stand mouth agape and eyes misted over while you stare at a tributary of Van Trump Creek plunging more than 300 feet down a sheer stark basalt wall.

Hit the Trail:

Ranked by many area hikers as being the most beautiful and awe-inspiring waterfall within Mount Rainier National Park, Comet Falls sees a fair amount of visitors. While the trail can be busy—it rarely gets crowded. The real challenge however is securing a parking space at the trailhead. The parking lot is less than adequate to accommodate all of the folks wanting to hike to this natural wonder. Try to get to the trailhead early in the morning and weekdays are best. If the parking area is full—do not park on the side of the road as you risk endangering drivers and landing yourself a citation. Instead, head to another hike close by and return later in the afternoon.

The trail immediately starts with an attitude. After a short and steep introduction, come to a bridge spanning high above a deep chasm. Here Van Trump Creek crashes below before plummeting over Christine Falls near the Longmire-Paradise Road. You can’t see Christine Falls, but you can see several plunge pools and small cascades in the ledgy gap below.

Once across the chasm the trail continues up the narrow valley cradling the roaring creek. The way is steep at times, but eases as you progress toward Comet Falls. While you initially began in cool, old-growth forest, you’ll encounter several sections denude of ancient trees. The trail crosses three avalanche chutes that have been scoured of big trees and kept open by regular snow slides. This trail can be extremely dangerous to hike early in the season. And even in early summer after avalanche threats have subsided; damage and debris left from the previous winter’s snowpack can make travel challenging. Be sure to check with the ranger station on the current condition of the trail.

As you march higher up the tight valley, you will get a sneak peek of the top of Rainier at one point—but generally the steep surrounding slopes prohibit any sweeping views from along the way. Obscured too is the first of three waterfalls along Van Trump Creek before you reach Comet Falls. You’ll catch a glimpse below of the second one. Look for a tiered waterfall commonly referred to as Middle Van Trump Falls. Don’t be discouraged however over the less than stellar viewing, as just up ahead is a real treat. Here the trail crosses Van Trump Creek on a log bridge at the base of a spectacular cataract known officially as Bloucher Falls, but more commonly referred to as Van Trump Falls. Recent past floods scoured out the tight canyon housing this waterfall providing unhindered viewing of this breathtaking triple tiered waterfall.

It’s a beautiful sight and one that may lead you to feeling quite content. But hike just a little farther for the grand finale. After crossing the creek, reenter a strip of forest and crest a small divide. Then behold in the near distance one heck of a waterfall. Keep hiking, soon breaking out of forest and entering a steep mist blasted emerald slope within the spray zone of Comet Falls. At a switchback walk left on a short spur taking you nearly to the base of the 320-foot waterfall. Don your rain jacket and keep your camera dry as you stare straight up the silvery fan of water plummeting over a steep basalt wall.

The scene looks like it can be straight out of Yosemite National Park. And just like what you’d expect in Yosemite, above this waterfall is a hanging valley, where the creek is flowing on a much gentler course—and where flower gardens and forested glades line the waterway. It’s a remarkably different world than the misty stark walls at the waterfall’s base. Most folks are content to turn around at this point—but if you want to keep on hiking, follow the trail steeply out of the valley to the upper valley at about 5,300 feet. Enjoy some flowered meadows (in summer) and a good view down the Nisqually River Valley to Mount St. Helens. At 2.3 miles you’ll reach a junction. Here you can hike right to Van Trump Park (oft snow covered by late October) or left to Mildred Point and the Rampart Ridge. If you can arrange for a shuttle—you can follow the trail along Rampart Ridge to the Wonderland Trail and then head back to Longmire. It’s a 5 mile often lonely journey from the junction.

Trailhead directions: From Elbe, follow SR 706 east (passing through Ashford) for 14 miles to the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Then continue east on the park’s Paradise-Longmire Road for 10.2 mile to the trailhead on your left.

Samsarafest is a special 4-day event from March 21st – March 24th. On the dates of the 22nd – 24th the event is held at the Enumclaw Expo Center. On March 21st the event held at Danish Hall located at 1708 Porter St., Enumclaw, WA 98022 and a town crawl follows the evening. The event organizers have thoughtfully built this event into a Healing festival. Families who have lost children attend this event at no cost. Samarafest is inspired in memory of the organizer’s daughter Samsara and it is meant for those looking to dig deep and heal from their grief.

Event Details

Let the guides at Crystal Mountain Resort take you off the beaten path to explore the secret side of Crystal Mountain. This is a great activity for families and guests who don’t ski or snowboard but still enjoy the outdoors and getting a little exercise. You’ll begin your 2+ hour tour by taking a scenic ride up the Gold Hills chairlift where you’ll start your tour through the majestic alpine forest into the Bullion Basin area. As you wind through the alpine you’ll take a few minutes to take in the beautiful views and fuel up with some snacks and water. Once back in the base area, you’ll make your way to the Bullwheel Restaurant and Bar for a family-style dinner.

Schedule3:00 p.m. Meet your snowshoe guide in the Rental Shop to get geared up.
3:30 p.m. Head out for a walk in the snow
5:30 p.m. Return gear to the rental shop and head to the Bullwheel Restaurant and Bar
6:00 p.m. Dinner in the Bullwheel Restaurant

Family-Style Dinner in the Bullwheel
Relax and enjoy a warm meal and a beverage of your choice after a fun afternoon exploring the surrounding alpine of Crystal Mountain.

Price
The cost is $70 and includes complimentary chairlift ride on Gold Hills, snowshoe and pole rental, guided tour and group dinner at the Bullwheel Restaurant. Foodservice tax and gratuity included. Alcoholic beverages not included but they are available for purchase.

*Chairlift and tours are subject to cancellation due to weather. An alternate route or cancellation of the tour may result depending on the weather.

Reservations & Other Info.Reservations are available through our online registration.
Maximum size is 40 guests.
The minimum age is 11 and guests under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Chairlift and tours are subject to cancellation due to weather. An alternate route or cancellation of the tour may result depending on the weather.
All cancellations must be made within 48 hours of scheduled Dinner Tour.